IN Mary Poppins

Armed with musical lessons, that much-loved governess named Mary Poppins flies into town at the end of March.

Lisa O’Hare shares at least one thing in common with Mary Poppins – they are both sticklers for good manners.

Which is a good thing, because it means Lisa is perfect for the role of Mary Poppins in the internationally popular musical which opens at Burswood Theatre in March.

Mary Poppins was originally created by Queensland author P.L. Travers, who after working in Sydney as an actor and journalist moved to London. Her first Mary Poppins book was published in 1934 and the enduring story of the practically perfect governess enchanted millions of readers. Walt Disney turned Mary Poppins into a movie in 1964 and it has remained one of Disney’s best-loved releases.

The musical brings the books and movie to the stage with enduring songs like Chim Chim Cher-ee, Spoonful of Sugar and Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and the first production opened in 2004. Since then the story of the Banks family and their nanny Mary Poppins has been seen by more than eight million people worldwide.

Lisa O’Hare has already played the role twice before, including during a UK national tour. She has also played other iconic female characters like Eliza Doolittle (My Fair Lady), Sally Bowles (Cabaret), Guinevere (Camelot), Gigi (Gigi) and Mina in Dracula as well as guest starring in television shows Castle, Undercovers and The Closer.

“It’s such an honour to play such an iconic character,” Lisa says. “There are probably only five of us who have had the privilege. It’s a wonderful challenge to step into the shoes of people like Julie Andrews and Audrey Hepburn.

“Mary Poppins is this other-worldly and eccentric character. She’s a magical and spiritual healer and teacher who steps in and takes over. She doesn’t only teach the children lessons but teaches parents plenty too.”

Hailing from the UK, Lisa now lives in Los Angeles with her American husband Brian, whom she met while working on My Fair Lady. She grew up on a diet of Oliver and Annie until her dad threatened to burn the videos.

“I loved musicals and come from quite a musical family. When I heard they were going to make a musical I was thrilled at the thought of even being considered.”

Of course there’s the inevitable question: what’s it like to fly?

“What can I say,” Lisa chuckles, “you’re either born with it or you’re not.”

Mary Poppins opens at Burwood Theatre on March 31 for a limited season. Tickets from Ticketek.